The London Eye is one of our city’s most iconic – and imposing – landmarks, with its towering height of 135 meters. But that same height seems to worry a lot of tourists, who often ask, “Is the London Eye safe?”
Despite its immense size and height, the London Eye is widely considered safe. This is because it was built to meet a lot of safety standards and adheres to strict safety protocols and regulations to ensure the well-being of its passengers.
In this article, we will dive into everything you need to know about the London Eye’s safety measures. This way, you can enjoy the London Eye without nary a worry!
What are the London Eye’s safety measures?
The London Eye’s safety measures include having robust construction and design and capsules that are engineered for extreme weather conditions.
It also has a state-of-the-art computer system that constantly monitors the ride’s performance and can automatically shut it down during malfunctions or emergency situations.
Still not convinced? Let’s go into more detail on each of these measures so you can see why visiting the London Eye isn’t the danger you may think it is.
It boasts strong construction and design
The London Eye’s construction and design are the backbones of its safety measures. The wheel consists of 32 capsules, each built to be sturdy and stable in even the most challenging weather conditions.
The capsules’ toughened glass is also fire-resistant. Even more impressively, it can withstand forces up to 250 times stronger than regular glass!
It’s engineered for extreme weather conditions
People say that the experience of being in the London Eye can be quite unpredictable – one moment you’re enjoying a stunning panoramic view, and the next moment you’re stuck in a cloud and can’t see a thing!
Still, don’t worry about weather issues when you’re in the Eye. For one thing, a team of trained safety specialists uses cutting-edge equipment to keep an eye on the Eye around the clock.
The wheel is also engineered to survive lightning strikes, hurricanes, and even tornadoes. It’s almost enough to make you consider running here first if something like the film “Geostorm” ever happens.
It has a state-of-the-art computer system
All right, so the Eye has people monitoring it. What happens if those people fall asleep or if there’s human error, though?
Well, fortunately for us, the London Eye also has an advanced computer system that monitors the ride’s operations constantly. This computer system can detect any issues or abnormalities in the ride’s performance and quickly shut it down if necessary.
It adheres to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) rules
As if all that weren’t enough, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also closely monitors the London Eye. The HSE ensures the ride complies with all applicable safety standards and laws and conducts routine inspections to make sure of it.
What are the London Eye maintenance and inspection routines?
The London Eye maintenance and inspection routines include annual maintenance, daily inspections from technicians, and regular check-ups from engineers. Even the wheel alone has a rigorous program for maintenance and checks to ensure your safety.
Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of the London Eye’s maintenance and inspection techniques. of the London Eye’s safety measures:
The London Eye has annual maintenance
The London Eye treats itself to a maintenance day every year, closing down for a day to undergo a thorough inspection and cleaning. This ensures the wheel is always in impeccable shape, ready to take you on a smooth ride.
The wheel is inspected daily by technicians
The London Eye undergoes daily checks by licensed technicians who inspect everything, from the mechanical and electrical systems of the wheel to the capsules and their doors. With these diligent inspections, you can enjoy a worry-free ride.
The London Eye is routinely checked by engineers
The London Eye is routinely inspected by third-party engineers who ensure it complies with all applicable safety requirements. These experts leave no stone unturned, examining every inch of the wheel to make sure it’s always in top-notch condition.
What training do London Eye employees get?
London Eye employees get extensive training sessions through procedure training sessions, emergency drills, and even response team training. These drills are done to oversee your safety and the operation of the ride.
Let’s take a closer look at the training techniques that the staff at the London Eye have undergone.
The staff undergo extensive training
Members of staff at the London Eye don’t just learn how to run the attraction — they undergo extensive training in all aspects of the operation, including health and safety procedures.
They even undergo immersive training programs for various situations before being allowed to work here. This way, they can deliver exceptional customer service while also ensuring the safety of all passengers aboard the wheel.
The staff members do emergency drills
Employees at the Eye also regularly undergo emergency drills. The drills test their preparedness and response times in a range of emergency scenarios.
These simulations cover everything from power outages and capsule evacuations to medical emergencies. You may actually see the drills sometimes if you hang around the Eye at night!
The Eye has actual emergency response professionals
The London Eye’s 24/7 emergency response team includes paramedics, firefighters, and other emergency personnel, all equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
With the expertise of the emergency response team, passengers aboard the London Eye can rest assured they are in safe hands.
What are the London Eye emergency backup systems?
Aside from emergency response teams, the London Eye has a number of other backup systems designed to ensure the safety of the passengers in case of unexpected incidents, including backup generators, on-site medical personnel, and a fire suppression system.
Backup Generators
If there is a power outage, the capsules are equipped with backup generators, which automatically kick in and provide power to the capsule’s essential systems.
The staff is also trained to evacuate the passengers from the capsules safely and efficiently, using various evacuation methods, such as ropes or a hydraulic rescue platform.
On-site Medical Personnel
The London Eye staff is trained to provide first aid and call for emergency medical services. The attraction also has a first aid room, where trained medical personnel can treat anyone requiring it.
Fire Suppression System
In case of fire, the London Eye has a sophisticated fire suppression system designed to extinguish fires quickly and effectively. The staff is also trained to evacuate the passengers safely and efficiently in case of a fire, using emergency evacuation procedures.
What are the dos and dont’s in the London Eye?
To further ease your mind, here are some do’s and donts for you to remember to ensure your safety and enjoy the biggest attraction in London.
What are things you should do in the London Eye?
While it’s a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting London, there are some things to keep in mind to ensure you have the best experience possible. Read on to make the most out of your visit to this popular attraction.
1: Buy tickets in advance
By purchasing your ticket in advance, you can avoid the risk of arriving at the attraction only to find that it’s fully booked for the day. This is especially important if you visit during peak season or on weekends.
This will also allow you to save time since pre-booked tickets allow you to skip the queue and go straight to the boarding platform, which can save you a lot of time, particularly during busy periods.
You can book your tickets here.
2: Try to arrive early
The London Eye can get busy, especially during peak season and weekends. By arriving early, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed experience.
On top of this, the area around the London Eye is full of attractions, including the South Bank, the London Aquarium, and the London Dungeon. By arriving early, you’ll have more time to explore these attractions and make the most of your day.
3: Book a private capsule
A private capsule allows you to enjoy the ultimate London Eye capsule experience. This can be especially beneficial if you’re celebrating a special occasion or looking for a more intimate experience.
This also gives you flexibility since private capsules can be booked for different durations, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. This gives you more time to plan your visit and allows you to tailor the experience to your preferences.
4: Dress appropriately
The London Eye is an outdoor attraction, and the weather in London can be unpredictable. Dressing appropriately for the weather can help you stay comfortable and enjoy the experience fully.
Remember that If you’re comfortable, you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning views of London from the London Eye without being distracted by discomfort or being too cold or hot.
5: Bring a camera
The London Eye provides stunning views of London and having a camera can help you capture these views and take home some fantastic photos.
If you do not have a digital camera, you can always use your phone to share your experience with others, whether it be friends, family, or on social media.
6: Enjoy the view
The London Eye offers some of the most breathtaking views of London, including famous landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London.
The London Eye provides a unique perspective of London, allowing you to see the city from a bird’s eye view. This can help you appreciate the scale and beauty of the city in a new and exciting way.
What are things you shouldn’t do in the London Eye?
While it can be an exciting experience, there are certain things that you should avoid doing during your ride on the London Eye. We won’t bother mentioning the obvious things – like jumping out of a capsule – but let’s go over a few of the ones most people new to the Eye will want to know.
1: Don’t bring large bags
The London Eye has strict security measures, and bringing large bags may cause delays and disruptions during the security check.
Remember that the capsules on the London Eye are designed to hold a limited number of people rather than to accommodate large bags or luggage. Bringing large bags may cause inconvenience to yourself and other passengers.
2: Don’t bring pets
The London Eye is a Ferris wheel that rotates slowly, but it is still not a suitable environment for pets. The cabins are enclosed, and there is a risk of pets getting anxious or frightened.
Pets may try to escape or jump out of the cabin, which can be dangerous for everyone.
3: Don’t smoke
Smoking is not permitted in enclosed or partially enclosed public spaces in the UK, including the capsules of the London Eye.
On top of this, smoking poses a fire hazard, and the enclosed space of the capsule could make it difficult to contain or extinguish a fire if one were to start.
4: Don’t lean against the glass
Leaning against the glass can put unnecessary pressure on the panels, which may not be designed to support a person’s weight. This can increase the risk of the glass breaking or cracking, posing a safety hazard to you and other passengers.
Not doing this can also show respect towards other tourists since other passengers may want to take photos or enjoy the view unobstructed by people leaning against the glass. By leaning against the glass, you can block their view and detract from their experience.
5: Don’t bring balloons
Balloons can easily float away and become a hazard to aviation and wildlife. The London Eye is located near an airport, and releasing balloons can cause a potential risk to aircraft.
Additionally, deflated balloons can be a choking hazard for children and wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the London Eye is safe for kids. Remember that those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult who is 18 and older.
Yes, the London Eye is COVID-safe, as the staff do their best to ensure the safety of all visitors, especially during the pandemic. Still, practising proper hygiene when visiting the London Eye is highly recommended.
No, it is not required to wear face masks in the London Eye since the mask mandate in the United Kingdom was lifted on January 28, 2023. However, you may still wear one if you want when visiting the London Eye.
There is no number 13 in the London Eye because it is considered bad luck for many.
